Aliu, J; Oke, A E and Oni, S B (2024) Evaluating strategies to promote mechatronics deployment in AECO projects: A Nigerian construction practitioners' perspectives. International Journal of Construction Management, 24(14), pp. 1540-1549. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Mechatronics has emerged as a transformative approach in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry, revolutionizing project design, execution and management. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, mechatronics brings numerous benefits, including improved efficiency through task automation, reduced errors and increased productivity. However, despite its potential, implementing mechatronics in AECO projects presents significant challenges. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify and evaluate strategies that promote the understanding and utilization of mechatronics in AECO projects, focusing on the Nigerian context. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, resulting in the identification of 18 strategies. These strategies formed the basis for a questionnaire survey, which examined their criticality and relevance. The findings highlighted the top five critical strategies: developing specialized training programs for mechatronics implementation, endorsing and promoting through government channels, collaborating with industry influencers and professional associations, attracting investment for mechatronics and promoting industry-recognized certifications. Additionally, a principal component analysis revealed four latent factors that encompassed the identified strategies: training and talent-building, awareness and amplification, investment and incentives, and policy and progression. To validate and enhance the findings, a comparative analysis was conducted, comparing the results from this study with similar cases in China, South Africa and the United States. The implications of this study extend to industry practitioners, policymakers, educators and researchers, providing valuable insights and recommendations for promoting mechatronics in the AECO industry. By embracing these implications, stakeholders can contribute to the industry’s transformation, enhancing efficiency, productivity and overall project outcomes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; construction efficiency; construction projects; electronic systems; mechanical engineering; mechatronic technologies; robotics |
| Index terms: | mechanical engineering, implementation, automation, principal component analysis, robotics, productivity, transformation, project outcome, efficiency, project design, China, South Africa, program, construction project, practitioner, questionnaire, literature review, strategy, comparative analysis, survey, construction practitioner, United States, certification |
| Subjects: | business, project completion, mechanical systems, data collection methods, practitioner, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, software systems, performance management, management, professional development, production management, automation and robotics, Geography, statistical analysis, administrative processes |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Procurement, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Contract Administration, Digital Applications, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here